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Crunch: the man’s Citroën ploughed into a garden fence after he lost control
In safe hands: the elderly driver is placed in an ambulance after the crash on the Henley to Reading Road at Lower Shiplake
Residents angry at prison axe threat
By JENNIFER MAXFIELD jmaxfield@henleystandard.co.uk
RESIDENTS are angry at not being consulted about plans to close Huntercombe young offenders institution. They also fear the possibility that it could be turned into a prison for adults. The all-male youth prison near Nuffield is earmarked for closure because the number of inmates has fallen. It currently holds 150 15- to 18-year-olds but has the capacity for 360. The change-of-use plan drawn up by the National Offender Management Service was leaked to the BBC but a final decision has yet to be made. Diana Chambers, who chairs Huntercombe Residents’ Association, claimed members were “deeply concerned”. She said: “We hope Continued on page 2
Driver injured after losing control of car
AN elderly man was injured when his car left the road and crashed through the fence of a nearby house. The accident happened on the A4155 Henley to Reading road at the junction with Station Road, Lower Shiplake. A police officer at the scene said the driver of the Citroën C3, travelling from Reading, appeared to have lost control. The car skidded across the road, clipped the edge of the war memorial island and crashed into the wooden boarded fence. The front of the vehicle was badly damaged. The driver, who was travelling alone, was treated by an ambulance crew at the scene. No other vehicle was involved in the accident, which happened at about 1.30pm on Wednesday.
SINGER Sam Brown has accused police who carried out a dawn raid on her home of “brutal” treatment.
Armed officers broke down the door of the house in the centre of Sonning Common at 4.30am when she and her family were asleep. Mrs Brown, 45, was pinned against a wall and her two teenage children and an 18-year-old family friend who was staying overnight were terrified. The raid on Tuesday last week was carried out by police investigating an international drugs gang. Officers were searching for Mrs Brown’s lodger but she was away for the night staying at her boyfriend’s home, where they were both arrested. The couple were later released without charge. Mrs Brown, the daughter of rock ’n’ roll star Joe, has since asked her 29-year-old lodger, who had her own entrance to the house, to leave. Recalling the raid, she said: “It was a brutal experience. The police came into the house shouting and carrying heavy gear and batons. “When I heard the noise I came running out of my bedroom and then a very tall guy grabbed me and pinned me to the wall. “There were quite a lot of them and they were very aggressive. Everyone was terrified — we were told not to move or say anything.” The family friend, who is half Dutch, was handcuffed. He said: “They took me into the living room and asked me for ID and they searched everyone’s room. “They spent six hours bagging up stuff in her [the lodger’s] room and filled up five crates. They took letters, mobile phones, bank details and two Polish passports, among other things.” He said the officers broke the locks on the door and damaged paintwork when they entered the house. “It was terrifying,” he said. “It definitely was not a good alarm clock.” Mrs Brown added: “Once they had searched the house,
they realised it was nothing to do with us. We made them coffee and croissants and they said it was ‘one of the nicest’ raids they had done. “It was quite brutal but no one was injured and no serious damage was done. It was a violation but they were only doing their jobs.” About 750 officers were involved in raids carried out simultaneously across Europe. The target was a gang suspected of trafficking huge quantities of drugs and firearms and laundering hundreds of millions of pounds. A total of nine men and two women were questioned at police stations in the Thames Valley, Kent and the West Midlands. They have all since been released.
this is not a foregone conclusion and that there will be a consultation exercise so members of the local community can have their say. “The impact of the closure and possible re-opening as an adult prison could be considerable for the residents of Bradley Road and also the nearby villages and towns given the increased level of visitation that is likely for an adult prison.” She said the association had tried to maintain a dialogue with the prison over the past year and was “disappointed” not to have been informed of the proposal. Nuffield Parish Council is also concerned. In a letter to Henley MP John Howell, parish clerk Claire Dunk said: “The council has not been given the courtesy of being informed either in advance or after the event about the closure. “As you may be aware, not only are jobs in the local vicinity directly tied to the prison but also the infrastructure of the immediate community in Bradley Road and other surrounding houses. “I understand the sewerage system is linked to the prison and it also maintains the access road and lighting. “My parishioners are looking for reassurances that this arrangement will continue if Huntercombe is mothballed.” Mr Howell has submitted written questions in the Commons asking for a timetable and details of what consultations will take place with residents. Geoff Hardwick, who chairs Nuffield Parish Council, said he had no strong objections personally so long as the nature of the prison didn’t change. “If it was to become an open prison, for example, then I think there would be strong opposition,” he added. Huntercombe was opened in 1946 and held adult prisoners of war before becoming a bortsal. It became a juvenile institution in 2000.
Church services 4 Births, marriages and deaths 6 Diary 8 Letters 10 Business 16 Bumps, Babies & Toddlers 16 Quality Care for the Elderly 17 Entertainment 18, 19, 22, 23 What’s On 20, 21, 22 Sport 24 to 28 Motoring 29, 30 Situations vacant 31, 32 Trade 33, 34 Classified 35, 36
Cost of renting town allotment set to grow
THE cost to rent an allotment in Henley could rise by three per cent. From October 2011 to September 2012, a full plot will cost an extra £1, taking the fee up to £37, while a half plot will cost an extra 50p, taking the fee up to £18.50. The fees will apply to both Waterman’s Allotments in Reading Road and the Greencroft Allotments in Remenham, by Henley Cricket Club, which are both owned by Henley Town Council. Members of the council’s recreation and amenities committee have recommended the rises to the full council rather than opting to freeze the fees. Councillor Gill Dodds described the increases as the cost of buying a lettuce. l In March, the council agreed to put fencing around Waterman’s Allotments to protect them from vandalism and deter deer. The 6ft wire mesh fence is expected to cost about £6,000, with £4,500 coming from the town council and the remainder from the Henley Allotments Association.
Warning over high-pressure salesmen
A WARNING has been issued by police about companies trying to pressure-sell alarm systems. People in Henley have reported receiving calls from salesmen offering deals on intruder alarms, in some cases saying the price is only £1. Sales people then visit the householder and use high-pressure selling tactics, intimidating often elderly people. Police advise checking company names with the regulators of the alarm industry on (01628) 637512, or with the certified body, the SSAIB, on (0191) 296 3242 before agreeing to an appointment. Residents who have already signed a contract should call the trading standards department at Oxfordshire County Council, which is investigating if regulations have been breached, on 0845 051 0845. Meanwhile, businesses and consumers are being warned to beware of a bogus trading standards officer following a number of complaints about cold calls. The caller says he can claim back money overcharged by banks on people’s behalf and says he needs to verify their address and bank details. Some people have been told they will have to pay £199 to recover the funds. Councillor Judith Heathcoat, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “We are very concerned about these calls and ask residents to be on their guard.”
School fete raises £1,000 for equipment
MORE than £1,000 was raised at Nettlebed School’s spring fete. Jo Browne, chairman of the school’s Friends, said: “The money will be spent on all kinds of activities, including school trips, educational toys and books and any class projects.” She thanked the Spar shop in Nettlebed for donating 60 colouring sets for the tombola. The Friends will be hosting a Happy Circus event — a circus for children without animals — at the Sue Ryder Care hospice in the village on Wednesday, July 7, beginning with a barbecue at 5pm. The proceeds will be split between the school and the charity.
Fete faces: from left, Charlotte Ashby, two, Georgina Ashby, five, Shannon Chamberlain, five, and Elise Russell, six
Police crackdown on drink-drivers targets ‘morning-after effect’
By RICHARD REED rreed@henleystandard.co.uk
A CRACKDOWN on drinkdrivers has been launched, particularly targeting young men. The month-long campaign is designed to cut the number of deaths and injuries on the roads in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire as a result of people driving under the influence of drink or drugs. It is being run by Thames Valley Police in conjunction with the Association of Chief Police Officers and the Department for Transport. The campaign will focus on male drivers aged 17-29, the age group with a disproportionately high number of casualties. Research shows that many young men ignore the safety message because they believe it is acceptable to drive after having one to two pints. Many people are not aware that alcohol continues to have an effect “the morning after”. Usually, it is still present in the body and will be picked up in a breath test. The overall aim of the campaign is to convince people that a drink-drive conviction has the potential to ruin their life due to the likely consequences, such as a prison sentence, fine and lengthy driving ban. Police will be carrying out checks during the day and at night throughout June. Drivers will be asked to take a breath test. During last year’s campaign, 2,721 drivers were breathalysed and 190 provided positive tests. Officers will also be recording drivers’ age brackets and the data will be analysed by the DfT to pick out trends in drink-driving. Supt Rob Povey, head of roads policing at Thames Valley Police, said: “Drinkdriving is now much more socially unacceptable but there are still some individuals who ignore the warnings. “It is a very serious offence and people need to understand the gravity of their actions if they drink and drive. We are particularly focusing on the effect on driving the day after a night out. “Those who have enjoyed a summer evening with friends must think about whether the alcohol is clear from their system the day after. If they are not sure, then it is not worth taking the chance.” All drivers who provide a positive breath test, or fail or refuse to take one, face losing their licence for at least a year and could be sentenced to six months in prison or fined up to £5,000. If you know anyone who drives while under the influence of drink or drugs, call police on 08458 505505 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111.
Campaigning to reduce our carbon footprint
A TALK on saving energy was the highlight of Tuesday’s meeting of Henley Rotary Club, held at Henley Golf Club. It was given by former Henley mayor Janine FitzGerald, a member of the steering group for Henley in Transition, part of a nationwide movement of “transition towns”. The campaigners aim to make every community work towards sustainability by using local supplies of energy, food, housing and transport without being dependent on external sources. Ms FitzGerald said that Henley had registered as a transition town comparatively early in the campaign but that Totnes in Devon and Lewes in East Sussex had been the founding localities and now used their own currency to promote local trading. Emphasising that the movement was apolitical, she said it did not claim to have all the answers but urged everyone to ask: “how can I influence others to reduce our carbon footprint?” The Henley group was formed in 2008 and one of the first projects was to use a thermal imaging camera to take images of 500 buildings in the town. There were some interesting results showing where heat loss was greatest, particularly in non-insulated structures. Ms FitzGerald suggested all sorts of ways to help under the heading of “Use less, use local, waste less, recycle.” Smaller, fuel-efficient cars, herb gardens, installing a smart meter, solar power were among her ideas. There were a number of questions, many suggesting that people were not convinced by the idea of global warming but that anything that could be done to reduce carbon emissions must be beneficial. Harry Lambert proposed the vote of thanks. l The Henley in Transition group is inviting residents to two presentations about its work and aims. They are both at the King’s Arms Barn — one on Thursday (June 10) and the other next Monday. A short film, The Transition Movie, will be shown followed by a discussion about the implications of transition and the possibilities for Henley. The sessions are suitable for all ages. Doors will open at 7pm and refreshments will be provided. To reserve a place, visit www.henley-intransition. org.uk
Let’s be mini Cannes, says film festival organiser
ORGANISERS of the first Henley International Film Festival have vowed to repeat the event next year. The week-long festival ended at the weekend with screenings of documentaries that were packed with fans. Over the week, 40 new documentaries were shown and there were questionand- answer sessions with directors. Festival director Richard Truter, who lives in Henley, said: “Things really picked up through the week. It’s our first year and we had to try really hard to promote it and get everybody on board to help us. “We really want Henley to buy into the festival because it’s a fabulous event. This is not just one event. We want to build it up through the course of the year until maybe we become like a miniature Cannes and a place to celebrate film. I’m a documentary filmmaker and I wanted to expose a lot of people within the industry so they can showcase their work.” A wide variety of films from around the world were shown at the Kenton Theatre, including The English Surgeon, American Radical, The Dancing Boys Of Afghanistan and, finally, Winnebago Man, after which there was a round of applause for the festival organisers from the audience. Short films were screened at the Hot Gossip coffee house in Friday Street and Hotel du Vin in New Street. A 1968 Jaguar fitted with cameras travelled around town encouraging people to get in and talk on a subject of their choice. Festival sponsor Stella Artois provided a special VIP area at the hotel, where people who had seen the films could discuss them, often with the filmmakers themselves. On Friday, documentary maker Jeremy Gilley and his partner, actress Emilia Fox, attended the screening of his film The Day After Peace. The film centres on his efforts to establish the first annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Actor Jude Law, who co-produced the film and helped Mr Gilley with his charity work, was due to attend but had to pull out due to other commitments. Mr Gilley described the festival as “brilliant”. He said: “Henley is known all over the world and it’s very fitting that it should have a film festival.” Fox, best known as Dr Nikki Alexander in the BBC’s Silent Witness, provided the voice-over for another film shown at the festival, The Vanishing Of The Bees, which looks at the possible causes and consequences of the world’s plummeting honey bee population. The actress, who confirmed at the weekend that she is pregnant with her first child, said: “It has been a wonderful week and a brilliant start for the festival, which has created a very important platform for documentaries.” Henley Mayor Jeni Wood, who attended the screening of The Day After Peace, said: “The event was really well managed. Richard Truter and his team worked like troopers and I hope we will see them next year for an even bigger event.” Review — page 22
30 years of steam
STOKE ROW Steam Rally will celebrate its 30th anniversary this weekend. This year’s event is being run by a new committee and there are a number of fresh attractions as well as the usual steam engines, tractors, commercial vehicles, vintage, veteran and classic cars and static engines. There will be entertainment for children as well as beer and craft tents, trade stands, a wild west show, marching bands, a parrot show, a children’s farm and morris men. The rally takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Larkstoke Farm, just off the A4074 near Ipsden. Admission costs £5 for adults while children under 16 get in free. A report and pictures will appear in next week’s Standard.
Win tickets to see Ali
THERE is a pre-festival event next Friday when Tariq Ali, the Sixties political campaigner who is now a novelist, will speak at the Kenton Theatre. He is the author of several books, including Can Pakistan Survive? The Death Of A State and Axis Of Hope. He also regularly contributes to The Guardian and the London Review of Books. The Standard has 10 pairs of tickets for the event to give away. Just call the festival on 0118 972 4700 and the first 10 callers will win.
Literary festival set to be best yet with leading authors on way
By RICHARD REED rreed@henleystandard.co.uk
MELVYN BRAGG and Antonia Fraser are among the big names lined up for the fourth Henley Literary Festival in the autumn. Actor and director Steven Berkoff, million-selling novelist Lionel Shriver, the BBC’s Fergal Keane and journalist and writer Max Hastings will also be appearing at the fiveday festival. There will be more than 100 events taking place from September 29 to October 3 at a number of venues, including, for the first time, St Mary’s Church. Both Lord Bragg and Lady Antonia will be talking about very personal and emotional books. The former South Bank Show presenter has written a poignant novel Remember Me, a fictional story but based on the devasating suicide of his first wife, the French artist and writer Lisa Roche. Lady Antonia’s Must You Go? is made up of diary entries and memories from the 33 years she spent with the playwright Harold Pinter until his death on Christmas Eve 2008. Berkoff has written an account of his upbringing in the East End — with excursions to Luton and America — in his honest and moving Diary Of A Juvenile Delinquent. Sir Max, too, has written an autobiography with the amusing title Did You Really Shoot The Television? (And yes, he did). Keane has written Road Of Bones, an account of the Siege of Kohimar at the end of the Second World War which will appeal to fans of historical books. Shriver became a worldwide best-seller with We Need To Talk About Kevin and will be making her second appearance at the festival to discuss her new book, So Much For That. She is one of several Memories: Antonia Fraser Best-seller: Lionel Shriver Picture: Sue Greenhill Amusing: Max Hastings Poignant: Melvyn Bragg authors who asked to return to Henley as they enjoyed the festival last year. Another was Gervaise Phinn, the Yorkshire Dales schools inspector who turned his experiences into scores of best-selling novels. This time he will be talking about his autobiography. Festival director Sue Ryan. said: “Both Lionel and Gervaise sold out last year so this gives people who couldn’t get tickets last year another chance to come. “The response from authors has been tremendous. The reputation of the festival is such that we now have publishers asking if their authors can come to Henley and that is down to the support and enthusiasm of the town. “To reach this stage in such a relatively short time is something we could only dream of. We have increased the number of days to five and events to 100 because of the high calibre of the speakers. I think we are well on the way to having our best festival this year.” The festival website has been redesigned by Thought by Design and there will be professional sound engineers in the town hall this year and a more sophisticated ticketing system. St Mary’s will be used for some of the bigger events that are likely to sell out. People can gain priority booking by becoming a Friend of the festival at www. henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk A party for Friends will take place on the New Orleans on Tuesday, June 22 from 6pm to 8pm and anyone wanting to join can come along. Organisers will be revealing a fuller list of authors at this event.
Let’s celebrate our abilities rather than finding fault
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
ONE of the toughest tasks a church can face is choosing a new minister. This process can take up much time and energy because it is important to find the right person for the job. One member of an interview board reached the end of his tether after hearing his colleagues reject one applicant after another for some minor fault, real or imagined, so he stood up and read a letter purporting to have come from another candidate. The letter read: “I have many qualifications for the post in question. “I’ve been a preacher and a writer with much success over many years and some people say that I’m a good organiser and leader, although my record-keeping is not good and I have been known to forget people’s names even though I have baptised them. “All the places I have preached in have been small, though located in several large cities and I have never stayed in one place for more than three years. “I have not got on very well with the religious leaders in the towns and, in fact, some have threatened me and even attacked me physically. “In some places I have left town after my work caused riots and disturbances and I must admit that I have been in jail three or four times but not because of any real wrongdoing. Some people say that because of some things I say that I don’t like women but this is not true. “I am now over 50 years old and my health is not too good but I still accomplish a great deal and, if you can use me, I promise I will do my best for you.” The other members of the board were appalled. How could they even be expected to consider a sickly, trouble- making, absent-minded, woman-hating former prisoner? With a twinkle in his eye, the man who had read the supposed letter said quietly: “St Paul would have written this.” This is an apocryphal story, of course, but a salutary reminder to us all, as more and more people are paraded before us by the media for condemnation of one sort or another, that none of us is perfect. As Jesus said: “Let those who are without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7) Those who are not perfect can achieve amazing things, as St Paul did, so let’s celebrate our own lives and abilities and those of others, whatever they are, and not be over keen to find fault. Rev Angela Linton Associate priest, Langtree Team Ministry, and chaplain, Sue Ryder Care, Nettlebed
Church Services
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH Henley-on-Thames Vicar: Rev. Duncan Carter SUNDAY, JUNE 6th (Trinity 1) 8.00 a.m.— Morning Prayer 10.00 a.m.—Morning Worship with Heather Clements of the Bible Society HENLEY BAPTIST CHURCH Market Place, Henley SUNDAY, JUNE 6th 10.30 a.m.— Morning Service PLEASE NOTE: Meeting in Badgemore School, Hop Gardens “What is True Religion” Children’s Groups All welcome CHAPEL OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (R.C.) Stonor Park Mass will be celebrated on Saturday 5th June and not on Sunday 6th June at 10.30 a.m. owing to the VW Rally CHRIST CHURCH WITH PHEASANTS HILL U.R.C. Church Office, Tel: Henley 577733 Interim Moderator Rev. Peter Grimshaw SUNDAY, JUNE 6th 9.30 a.m.— Dynamite breakfast 10.30 a.m.—Family Communion Service. Rev. Derek Wensley. Creche, Junior Church and Youth Church. Coffee after the Service PARISHES OF SHIPLAKE WITH DUNSDEN AND HARPSDEN CUM BOLNEY SUNDAY, JUNE 6th At Harpsden Church: 8.00 a.m.— Holy Communion 10.00 a.m.—Sung Eucharist and Sunday School At Shiplake Church: 9.30 a.m.— Sung Eucharist and Sunday Club At Dunsden Church: 11.00 a.m.— Sung Eucharist SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Vicarage Road Parish Priest: Fr. Anthony Wilcox Tel: (01491) 573258 www.sacredhearthenley.co.uk SATURDAY, JUNE 5th 6.00 p.m.—Mass SUNDAY, JUNE 6th 8.30 a.m.— Mass 10.30 a.m.— Solemn Mass CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS Rotherfield Greys SUNDAY, JUNE 6th (Trinity 1) 10.30 a.m.—Holy Communion (CW). Rev. D. Stoter SPRINGWATER – PEPPARD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Blounts Court Road Peppard Common SUNDAY, JUNE 6th 10.30 a.m.—Family Service CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL Dunsden Way, Binfield Heath SUNDAY, JUNE 6th 11.00 a.m.—Morning Service with Communion 6.30 p.m.— Evening Service Enquiries 01491 576925 The Parish Church of ST. MARY THE VIRGIN (Near the Bridge) Henley-on-Thames Rector: Canon Martyn Griffiths SUNDAY, JUNE 6th (Corpus Christi) 8.00 a.m.— Eucharist 8.35 a.m.— Benefice Breakfast 9.30 a.m.— Sung Eucharist, Junior Church and Creche TUESDAY, JUNE 8th 7.30 a.m.— Eucharist WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9th 12 noon—Eucharist THURSDAY, JUNE 10th 10.00 a.m.— Eucharist 7.30 p.m.— Bishop’s Visitation FRIDAY, JUNE 11th 12 noon—Eucharist Morning and Evening Prayer celebrated on weekdays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Parish Church of ST. NICHOLAS Remenham Rector: Canon Martyn Griffiths SUNDAY, JUNE 6th (Trinity 1) 11.15 a.m.— Sung Matins
I’ll restore Fawley Court, says wealthy new owner
THE new owner of Fawley Court has pledged to spend the rest of her life restoring the mansion. Aida Hersham secured the purchase of the historic building in April — two years after first viewing it. The sale of the estate, which was originally put on the market for £22 million, brought protests from the Polish immigrant community and the Fawley Court Old Boys’ Association. Mrs Hersham, a wealthy divorcee described as a philanthropist, has started extensive renovations of both the house and the 27 acres of grounds, which had become run down during more than half a century of ownership by the Marian Fathers, a congregation of Polish priests. In a rare interview, she told the Standard that she would continue to live in London while the work took place but would eventually move into Fawley Court with her partner, Patrick Sieff, and her children. Mrs Hersham said: “We feel extremely fortunate to be able to restore Fawley, if not to its former glory, to the beauty it deserves. “Fawley was built to be a home and, looking at it, it is easier to imagine it as a home than its previous use. We feel a great responsibility towards the house. We will not shy away from restoring it to be part of the country’s national heritage but it could take my lifetime to achieve.” To help with the renovation work, Mrs Hersham has enlisted the help of 14 historians. Every item has been listed and every tree in the Capability Brown-designed garden has been tagged. “Our responsibility extends beyond the gates,” she said. “Eventually we will have to find some usage for Fawley Court to enable it to survive after I have gone. If it was to be turned into a hotel it would be dreadful.” Mrs Hersham said she first saw the property on a “muddy, cold and murky day” in 2008 but knew then she had to own it. “All we saw was a magnificent building and parkland,” she recalled. “Being a romantic, I saw a chance in a lifetime to devote my time to something so beautiful.” However, the sale caused controversy because the Polish community believes Fawley Court and its land is a “piece of Poland” and claim they provided most of the money for the Fathers’ purchase. About 2,000 Poles protested in the grounds on Whit Sunday last year. Mrs Hersham has had to install security gates at the entrance to the estate and employ guards following regular protests by people opposed to the sale. “It is not fair,” said Mrs Hersham. “We have been under siege. Nobody should need as much security as we have. “People have tried to jump over the fences. They try to get into the grounds from the footpath by the river. There have been planes buzzing overhead and people going backwards and forwards on boats on the river. “One weekend we had eight police officers trying to keep people out. All this has an impact on our health and state of our mind.” She said the protestors’ issues were with the Marian Fathers and should not involve her. However, she admitted to having made a mistake by not realising the significance of the property at first. Mrs Hersham said: “I didn’t know the attitude some people would have towards our possession of Fawley Court. “I understand their disappointment at leaving such a beautiful property. I would be equally disappointed if we had to leave. “It is obvious they had several issues with the Fathers but it shouldn’t affect us.” Mrs Hersham has begun to involve herself in the community. She has donated money to help save the regatta fireworks display, is supporting the Kenton for Keeps campaign and sponsored last week’s Henley International Film Festival. She has also employed seven staff who are Polish and worked at the house when the Marian Fathers owned it. “I believe what we are doing is responsible,” she said. “We are treating the building with the respect it deserves. We are just normal people trying to do a good job. “We don’t consider ourselves owners of Fawley Court. We are just very lucky to be its gatekeeper. “Times moves on and eventually Fawley Court will be back to what it was built for — a home.”
Estate dates back to before the Norman Conquest
FAWLEY COURT stands on the banks of the River Thames just north of Henley, halfway along the royal regatta course. The site was occupied before the Norman Conquest and the name “Fawley” comes from the Old English word for fallow deer. Although the estate was mentioned in the Domesday Boook, the original house fell into disrepair. The present house was built for William Freeman, a plantation owner and merchant, in 1684 and it remained in his family for another two centuries. The property is a large, square brick and stone house of two stories with a basement and an attic. During the Glorious Revolution of 1688, William of Orange stayed there during his march from Torbay to London. Between 1764 and 1766, the grounds were landscaped for Sambrooke Freeman by Capability Brown, having been created as formal terraces in 1731 under John Freeman. Brown’s scheme was lost under mid-19th century planting. The grounds are laid out more formally to the south of the property and within this area is the grotto, built as a garden folly and to house a collection of Arundel marbles owned by William Freeman. Architect James Wyatt, later to be made famous by the Pantheon in London, redecorated the principal ground floor rooms in neo-classical style. Wyatt also designed the “temple”, a folly on Temple Island. The brick facades were stuccoed in about 1800 and were restored with new brick in the nineteenth century. Sambrooke Freeman’s son Strickland died without a son and heir and the estate passed through the hands of William Peere Williams, a distant relative, to Scottish banker and railway entrepreneur Edward Mackenzie in 1853. Mackenzie enlarged the house, adding the north-east wing in 1884 and cutting the ornamental waterway which leads from the house to the Thames. He also had the building redecorated but retained many of the original features. Fawley Court is one of many places reputed to have been Kenneth Grahame’s inspiration for Toad Hall in his book The Wind In The Willows, written in 1908. The principal rooms on the ground floor include the Marble Hall, with a black and white floor which remains from the original 17th century decor. Double doors lead into the Crimson Room, which has an ornate ceiling designed by woodcarver and sculptor Grinling Gibbons and views over the ornamental waterway to the Thames. On either side of the Crimson Room, and with similar views, are the Blue Room and the two library rooms, one of which was designed and laid out in 1894 by Anne Seymour Damer, who lived at Park Place and carved the images of Iris and Tamesis on Henley Bridge. In the later wing there is a wood panelled billiards room, which has been used as a chapel. On the first and second floors, the accommodation is mainly residential. The basement of the main house provided a number of vaulted meeting and function rooms, kitchen facilities and storage, while the basement of the newer wing provided meeting and teaching rooms. The house was requisitioned by the Army in the Second World War and used as a training camp, which left it in a poor state. In 1953, the house and park were purchased by the Marian Fathers, to be used as a school, Divine Mercy College, for Polish boys. At its peak, the school catered for 150 boys, mostly the children of Poles displaced during the war who had found refuge in Britain. The house was badly damaged by fire in the Seventies but was rebuilt with the help of donations from the Polish community overseas. A modern church, St Anne’s, was built in the grounds with a timber frame and a copper roof. The school closed in 1986 due to a lack of students of Polish origin and the Marian Fathers converted Fawley Court into a retreat and conference centre. In 2008, they put the property up for sale, to the dismay of older members of the Polish community in Britain. Following the sale to Mrs Hersham, the priests have moved to Ealing Broadway. Both Fawley Court and the adjoining land are listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest. Along with the main house, the property has a stable building, a Grade II listed chapel, meeting room and stores, Tower Cottage, with its distinctive clock, an accommodation block and farm buildings.
Expect company as you enjoy art
THE free art event at this year’s Henley Festival will be a bit different to normal. For a number of years, the festival enclosure has been opened up on the Saturday for visitors to spent a quiet and reflective couple of hours and view the huge range of art work. This year, there will be the added attraction of the festival’s Roving Company of Eccentrica. Stewart Collins, the festival’s artistic director, said “This year’s visual arts programme is without doubt the most extensive yet. We have opened up some new gallery spaces and will be showing more sculpture than ever, so we are really keen that visitors should come to the site to see everything first hand. If ever an extra incentive was required to make sure that the whole family can take advantage of this opportunity, our Roving Eccentrica will also be on hand to do their thing. I have no doubt that will be a major added attraction.” This year’s visual arts programme features work by a huge range of artists, including Damien Hirst, David Hockney and Rolf Harris. One of the more intriguing shows will be Baccara Smart’s images of the circus inspired by a life spent with her father, Billy Smart. Meanwhile, organisers have announced that Arno Carstens will support Ronan Keating on the floating stage on the final night of the festival. The South African singer- songwriter has appeared at festivals including Glastonbury, V and T in the Park. The festival runs from July 7-11. For tickets, call the box office on (01491) 843404 or visit www.henley-festival.co.uk
Coalition puts plan for homes on hold
PLANS to build hundreds of homes in Henley have been put on hold after South Oxfordshire District Council was told it can set its own housing targets. Eric Pickles, the new Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has told the council to abolish proposals for 8,240 homes to be built in the district by 2026. The target figure was set by the last government. The move prompted district council leader Ann Ducker to withdraw plans showing where 5,000 homes would be built. The plans, which took three-and-a-half years to complete, included 250 properties in Henley, 100 of which were to be affordable housing. Sites were going to be considered next year. Cllr Ducker said the council would now look at how many homes were needed rather than allocate sites to meet targets. She said: “I have long argued that decisions about housing numbers are best made at a local level and at long last it looks as if we will get the opportunity to do this. Given the strong feelings of residents over some of the proposals in the core strategy, I see no value in having a potentially highly charged meeting to debate proposals that are unlikely to stand the test of time.” She added: “I want to stress that the council remains committed to providing new housing in South Oxfordshire to support jobs growth, town centre regeneration and to deliver affordable housing for those who cannot enter the housing market unaided.” Henley MP John Howell welcomed the postponement, saying: “You can either tackle this by bullying local councils and people into accepting centrally imposed housing targets, which is what the last government did, or take a bottom-up approach which puts the responsibility on local councils and communities and makes them part of the solution.”
Children’s slide damaged in vandal attack
THE playground at Binfield Heath was vandalised just days before the annual village day. Three youths were playing football in the field at about 9.30pm on Sunday when they went over to the children’s slide and rocked it until it crashed over, pulling out trhe concrete foundations. They then ran off and climbed into a car, believed to be a Volkswagen, and made off towards Sonning Common. Villagers hope to repair the equipment in time for the village day on Sunday. Elisabeth Ransom, who chairs Binfield Heath Parish Council, said: “The recreation ground attracts people from miles around and we are always pleased to see visitors who respect it and enjoy it. “The playground is maintained at the expenses of people living here and kept tidy by volunteers. Youths who come here and damage the football nets, light fires or, as in this case, wreck the equipment and leave litter and beer cans all Vandalised: the upturned slide in Binfield Heath playground over the place are definitely not welcome.”
TAKE FIVE: Do people use the river enough?
“People swim in the river and it gets used during the regatta so, yes, I think people use it enough. It is also a nice place to walk and spend time.” Emily Thatcher, from Remenham “People do go down there to use the boats but there could be more things to do on the river. People mainly sit by the river, feed the ducks, get ice creams or go to the playground.” Hannah Buffitt, events manager, of Station Road, Henley “Not really. It is not very busy on nice days but then it is a very expensive place to go with boats and everything. ” Simon Dudding, 26, Hobbs boat master, of Manor Road, Henley To see the video, visit www.henleystandard.co.uk “I think there is a lot of use of the river but I don’t think we should encourage more powered boats as they destroy the environment. I think we should encourage more people to use natural power.” Juliet Machan, 40, rower, of Chiltern Close, Henley “It is used too much in my view. If you go down to the river from now until the autumn there are so many boats moored that you can’t actually see the water.” John Grantham, of New Street, Henley
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Race against time in bids for £345,00 council grants
ORGANISATIONS in Henley seeking council grants totalling £345,250 face a race against time. South Oxfordshire District Council has admitted that the timetable for processing the applications is “very tight”. Two of those bidding for money say the decisions will be “crucial” to the success of their projects. The Kenton Theatre needs £100,000 towards securing the freehold of the building in New Street and Henley Baptist Church wants £100,000 to complete the redevelopment of its d:two centre in Market Place. The district council is urging members of its Community Investment Fund Panel, the body that distributes the grants, to make the process a top priority. An email sent to members said: “The timetable to enable determination of grant applications by the panel and decision at cabinet on July 8 is very tight.” This week, members attended training and briefing sessions and made site visits to the applicants. On Tuesday, they will hear presentations by the bidders in person. The panel will choose the winners on the following Tuesday ready for final approval by the council’s cabinet. The trustees of the Kenton are trying to raise £350,000 to buy outright the freehold of the theatre from the Henley Municipal Charities and have a deadline of the end of next month. Managing director Wendy Bowsher said: “It is crucial that we are awarded this grant. It is a one-off request to secure the future of the Kenton Theatre for Henley.” She said it was the first time the theatre had asked for public money in two centuries. “I will be making our presentation myself and I hope I can express my passion for our theatre,” said Mrs Bowsher. “It is somewhere for everybody in and around Henley to go and it is vital for the community.” So far, £120,000 has been raised by the Kenton for Keeps campaign. Roger Cole, pastor at the Baptist Church, said: “This money is crucial for finishing our project and it is vital that we are redeveloping this site to accommodate all the people who want to use it.” He said the Rainbow Children’s Centre would be finished this month. It includes a reception, interview rooms, indoor play facilities, a kitchen, toilets and a wet play/outdoor play area. The grant would go towards extending the main hall to accommodate 275 people and a new café and kitchen. Mr Cole, who hosted the visit by panel members on Wednesday, said: “If they get behind us, it will be marvellous for all the people in the community who use d:two.” AFC Henley, the boys’ and girls’ football club based at the Reading Road sports ground opposite the Tesco store, is applying for £90,000 towards a new £167,000 pavilion. Trevor Howell, who will be making the club’s presentation, said: “This is the second time of asking for us. We were granted £75,000 last time but because of issues around the lease By NIGEL WIGMORE nwigmore@henleystandard.co.uk on the pitches, we have had to apply again.” The club has since secured a 25-year lease. Mr Howell said the existing clubhouse was in the wrong place and meant children had to cross a road to get to the pitches and equipment had to be dragged back and forth the same way. “We need a pavilion on our pitches that is modern and meets all the exacting standards demanded today, such as disabled facilities,” he said. The other Henley applicants are Henley Hockey Club, which is applying for a grant of £35,250 towards the £50,000 cost of refurbishing its clubhouse, and Nettlebed Sports Association, which is asking for £20,000 towards a new £84,000 pavilion. lCouncillor Gill Dodds has been re-elected chairwoman of Henley Town Council’s recreation and amenities committee. She had replaced Councillor Terry Buckett, who died in November. Councillor Laura Pye was elected vice-chairwoman. Letters — page 10 & 11
80s festival ticket boom
MORE tickets have already been sold for this year’s Rewind Festival in Henley than were sold for the entire event in 2009. The Saturday is a sell-out but there are some tickets left for the Sunday after the capacity was increased by a third to 40,000. The Eighties music festival will take place at Temple Island Meadows on August 20, 21 and 22. Acts who will appear include Boy George, Rick Astley and Tony Hadley. For more information, visit www.rewindfestival.com
Happy 19th Birthday STEPHANIE Love from Mum, Dad, Tom, Johnny and Lily XXX
CONGRATULATIONS Mum & Dad on your Silver Wedding Anniversary Lots of love from Rachel, Hailey and all the family
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Rowing club stalwart who leaves huge shoes to fill
By JENNIFER MAXFIELD jmaxfield@henleystandard.co.uk Contribution: Roy Spatcher
All smiles: Roy after winning his first regatta in the Fifties A STALWART has retired after dedicating 60 years to Henley Rowing Club. Roy Spatcher, who joined the club in 1950, stepped down as house manager on his 80th birthday on Sunday. Mr Spatcher, of Brook Street, Watlington, was treated to a surprise party at the River and Rowing Museum in Henley. His wife Val also retired from the club after spending around 40 years organising social events, fund-raising, cooking and manning the car park during regattas. Mr Spatcher, who was a carpenter and joiner, said: “In the early Fifties we didn’t have much money or facilities — it was pretty basic. There’s no comparison between things then and now — it’s absolutely changed for the better.” Despite weighing 9st 10lb, Mr Spatcher coxed at the Henley Royal Regatta Thames Challenge Cup in 1954 and 1955. He then rowed in the bow seat and was club secretary throughout the Sixties and Seventies. When the club moved from the Brakspear brewery to Wargrave Road in 1986, Mr Spatcher gave up rowing to adopt a supporting role and looked after the building and grounds and helped fund-raise. He used to arrive at the club at 7am on Saturdays and Sundays and spent two or three nights there each week. He said: “The most important thing in my life down there was when we won the Thames Cup at Henley Royal Regatta in 2005. It’s the most important event that we’ve won. “My wife and I and a friend of ours have run the car park for 20 years or more so we didn’t actually see any rowing but we could hear it all and heard all about it on Regatta Radio and joined in the celebrations.” Club vice-president Ian Pankhurst said that over the years Mr and Mrs Spatcher had raised about £100,000 for club funds. He added: “Roy’s contribution to Henley Rowing Club dwarfs all others. Whether by accident or design, as he calls it a day, the club has more volunteers in all areas of activity than ever before — this is indeed fortunate because it will take several people to fill Roy’s shoes.” Mr Spatcher, who lived in Henley for most of his life before moving to Watlington three years ago, said: “The club will cope — no one is indispensable. The club is changing and people are changing within the club and I think the younger people that have joined deserve the chance to help run it.” Mr Spatcher said retiring would allow him to spend more time gardening. His daughter Karen lives in the same road as him and his son Lance lives in St Anne’s Close, Henley, with grandchildren Isabelle, six, and Katy, five. The club will organise another celebration for the Spatchers’ retirements this summer.
IN MEMORIAM Brightman, Phyllis.— June 2nd 2004. Always in our thoughts. Chris, Bill, Andrew, Richard, Dannii Goddard, Tony.— In memory of our brother Tony. From Cliff, Micky, Dennis, Pete. Tanner, Georgina.— June 3rd. 2009. In loving memory. Very much loved and missed. Your son Raymond and grandchildren. THANKS Trendall, Keith.— Rosemary and family would like to thank everyone who came to Keith’s funeral and for the many cards and letters of sympathy. It’s of great comfort to know that Keith was thought of so highly by so many. Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement.
Flag day
THE Henley branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society collected £519.55 at its flag day in the town centre on Saturday. The organisers thanked people who donated or helped.
E.T. SHEPPARD
Henley’s oldest STONE MASONS 36 READING ROAD HENLEY-ON-THAMES RG9 1AG TEL: 01491 574644 FAX: 01491 410591 EMAIL: et.sheppard@ukonline.co.uk Expert advice given on suitable memorials for local Churchyards and Cemeteries
Online top 10
The 10 most popular news stories last week at www.henleystandard.co.uk 1. All change for town pubs 2. Rush hour chaos after accident 3. “Wonder Woman” thrown surprise 40th birthday party 4. Celebrity signs up for charity row 5.David puts his best foot forward 6. Dinner at Branson’s home 7. Playground plans boosted by fair 8. Jamie says thanks with dinner 9. Henley Town’s new manager 10. Help Annette help her hero
Charged
POLICE have charged a man with causing death by dangerous driving after an 80-yearold man died in a collision at Nettlebed. Percy Raby, from Woodley, died when his stationary silver Vauxhall Aliga was in collision with a green Honda CRV at around 7.30pm on February 2. Dereck St Clair, 45, of Station Road, Henley, was charged by officers on Friday. He has been released on police bail to appear before magistrates at Oxford on June 11.
WEDDINGS
Hasler and Daniels PETER HASLER married Catherine Daniels at Hawkshead parish church in Cumbria. The groom is the son of Dr and Mrs John Hasler, of Wyfold Lane, Peppard Common, and the bride is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Richard Daniels, of Maltby, Middlesbrough. Catherine wore a strapless ivory gown with a cathedral length veil. The bridesmaids were Sarah O’Malley, Elizabeth Jones and the groom’s niece, Imogen Hasler. Two of them wore full-length, dark blue strapless Grecian-style dresses and the third wore a champagne-coloured puff hem bandeau dress. The best man was Joel Wheeler, a school friend of the groom. The couple honeymooned in the Maldive Islands. Gealy and Codling NICHOLAS GEALY married Ann Codling at Winchfield House wedding venue in Hampshire. The groom is the son of David and Barbara Gealy, of Baskerville Lane, Shiplake, and the bride is the daughter of John and Lynda Codling, of Arborfield. The flower girls were Rose Harris and Ffion Harman and the best man was Keir Harman. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore ivory tulle over a pale gold satin dress. The flower girls wore ivory dresses with pink and green sashes. The couple honeymooned in Italy and France before returning to live in Reading.
Births,Marriages and Deaths
PLEASE NOTE:FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Death Notices, In Memoriam and Thanks must be signed by the sender, Marriages and Engagements must be signed by both parties. Birth Notices must be signed by one of the parents. CHARGE: (prepaid) for announcements under this heading, 50p per word + VAT. Copy deadline: 12 noon Wednesday BIRTHS Brown.— Daniel and Ellie (née Cripps) are delighted to announce the arrival of their son, Benjamin Daniel, on May 28th 2010. DEATHS Barnsley, Cynthia May.— Passed away peacefully in the Royal Berkshire Hospital Reading on Friday May 21st 2010. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Funeral will be held at Reading Crematorium on Thursday June 10th at 1.45 p.m. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to the R.N.I.B and sent c/o Tomalin and Son, 38 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. RG9 1AG. Telephone 01491 573370 Breadner, Air Commodore Donald George James.— Died suddenly aged 72 on Monday 31st May 2010. Sadly missed by his beloved wife Valerie and daughter Alexandra, family and friends. Private committal precedes funeral at St Mary’s Church, Henley-on-Thames on Wednesday June 9th at 2.00 p.m. No flowers please, donations to the Horse’s Trust and sent c/o Tomalin and Son, 38 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon. RG9 1AG Irvin, Dorothy May.— Passed away peacefully Wednesday June 2nd. Much loved mum, nana and great nana. Will be greatly missed by us all. Re-united with Ron. Funeral will be held at Reading Crematorium on Friday June 11th at 11.30 a.m. Family flowers only. Donations if desired to Chiltern End. Cheques payable to ‘Order of St. John’s Care Trust’ c/o Tomalin and Son, 38 Reading Road. Murgatroyd, Les.— Died in the Royal Berkshire Hospital on May 26th 2010, aged 62 years. A loving husband to Alison, he will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service to be held at Reading Crematorium, South Chapel on Tuesday June 8th at 11.30 a.m. All enquiries to A.B. Walker and Son Ltd, 158 Reading Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1EA. Telephone 01491 413434
